Selecting The Right Dog Breed For Your Lifestyle

You're getting a dog, it's a super exciting time in your life! Just like people, dogs are not all built the same. Let's make sure you get the right dog for the type of life you live. Dogs come in different shapes and sizes as well as energy levels, temperaments, genetic predispositions, and individual quirks. It's important to consider all of these factors before bringing a dog into your home. Different dogs are better suited for different environments. The dog breed that you think you want, might not be the best one suited for your current lifestyle. Below, I outlined a few pointers to consider when selecting the ideal companion for your lifestyle.

Your Hobbies and Interests

How you spend your time might be the ultimate factor when selecting what type of pet to include in your family. People who are active (hiking, running, biking) should consider selecting a breed that reflects that. More sedentary breeds may not enjoy participating in those types of activities, or in some cases, physically won't be able to. If you live a more relaxed lifestyle, an active or overly needy dog simply won't fit in. If you're working long hours where your dog will be unattended for significant parts of the day, think about how your pup will be cared for. If you like to travel out of town or vacation frequently, you may want to consider a more independent dog breed. Older dogs who are already trained, with good house manners, would be more ideal compared to a puppy or younger dog that is dependent on constant interaction with you. As an example, working breeds typically make great companions for an active lifestyle. On the contrary, they don't like to be left alone for long periods of time, and are known to engage in destructive behavior when bored or neglected. Finding a breed that can share in your interests and participate in activities with you is always a good starting point. Having a buddy to curl up on the couch to watch movies with on a rainy day is just as important as one who wants to hike the Appalachian trail with you.

Type of Home

The type of home and yard that you have is really important. If you live in an apartment or condo, a smaller or lower energy breed of dog might be a better choice. Naturally noisy breeds (hounds or beagles, for example) could cause headaches for neighbors and family members alike. Maneuvering a larger dog in a smaller area could make things feel cramped. Active breeds should be discouraged as they require lots of exercise and attention. Most will become destructive without physical stimulation. The ability to run and explore is best provided in a home with a fenced in yard. It's not impossible to have some of these bigger and more active breeds in an apartment or condo, just inconvenient. I can only imagine trying to potty train an 8 week old puppy while having to navigate 5 flights of stairs multiple times a day! If you are dedicated and determined pet owner, you can make almost any situation work without it being a detriment to your dog. No matter the style of your home, all dogs will need physical and mental stimulation. You can set yourself up for success early on by taking their size and genetic makeup into account before bringing them home.

Small Children and Other Pets

A child's best friend is usually their first pet. Selecting the right dogs to be around children an oversight that  pet owners often make. While training is crucial, and plays a huge part in the relationship that you have with your pet, some breeds are just naturally more reactive; and in some cases aggressive when compared to others. Dogs that are known to have higher "prey" drive, excessive energy levels, natural reactivity, or aggression (Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Collies, Chows) may prove to be problematic in certain environments. Loud noises and fast movements are genetic triggers for some of these dogs. Herding breeds may instinctively nip and pull at children as they would sheep or cattle, in an effort to control them. Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are known to be "1 person" dogs. They bond with 1 human and in most cases have little to no interest in being part of a pack or family. The same thing goes for other pets, as certain dog breeds tend to do better than others with cats and dogs, regardless of exposure and socialization. Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Hounds, Beagles, and Doodle breeds are naturally social to other animals and have a higher threshold for quick, prey-like, movements. If you have small children, a large family household, or a conglomerate of other animals; it is best to do your research to see what types of dogs fit best into those categories.

Conclusion

Picking the right dog to suite your overall lifestyle probably sounds harder than it actually is. Stick to the key points above and you'll do just fine. They're not rules, but guidelines. In most cases, you're making a lifelong commitment to an animal. One that will live in your home and spend every waking minute around you, your spouse, children, and other family members. So it's important to take into account their needs as well as your own.  I understand that some of the traits I used to describe specific breeds might be different than your experiences. I know firsthand that there are low-drive working types as much as there are high-energy Mastiffs or angry Golden Retrievers. Genetic markers are still generally the best predictor of a dog's typical temperament and behavior, and should not be disregarded. By considering these factors in conjunction with your overall lifestyle (and a little bit of training), you give yourself and your dog the best overall opportunity for a successful and thriving relationship together.